Catholics from across the Archdiocese remember Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s call for justice
January 19, 2014
ARCHDIOCESE OF GALVESTON-HOUSTON
By Catherine Rogan, Media Relations Specialist, Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston
Catholics from across the Archdiocese remember Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s call for justice
This weekend the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston will take time to reflect upon and remember the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at its 29th Annual Mass of Remembrance. The Mass will be Sunday, January 19, at 3:00 p.m. at the Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, 1111 St. Joseph Pkwy., Houston.“We are blessed in this Archdiocese to be celebrating our 29th observance of the life and legacy of the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and I truly believe that, in itself, speaks volumes of our Archdiocese’s rich diversity and acceptance. The Memorial Mass for Dr. King has become a glorious summit of great joy, prayer and fellowship for all the faithful of our Archdiocese, not just for those of African descent,” said Deacon Leonard P. Lockett, Archdiocesan Vicar for Catholics of African Descent.
Dr. King stood for justice and the recognition of all God's people. The Mass of Remembrance is a time to consider his call to achieve peace through service to one another. The Catholic Church recognizes the continued effects of racism and discrimination in our culture and stands up for fairness and respect for every human person. Dr. King’s movement was about empowering other people – he believed that all can change the world. He reminds us that it is our duty as Christians to empower and serve each other
“In 2013, we celebrated the 50th anniversaries of two of the most notable works of Dr. King – his ‘Letter from a Birmingham Jail’ and his ‘I Have a Dream’ speech. In both compositions, Rev. King visualized not only an America but a world engulfed in hope, peace and equality for all oppressed people. I believe Dr. King would be pleased, however not satisfied, with the advancements of equality in our world in 2014. However, in that same spirit, I believe Dr. King would remind all of us of goodwill to remain steadfast and vigilant in the our belief and to always keep in mind the movement is grounded in the love and peace embedded in the Gospel of Jesus of Nazareth,” continued Lockett.
“Martin Luther King Jr. once said: ‘Faith is taking the first step, even when you don't see the whole staircase.’ He showed the world the characteristics of courage, hope and charity, and his faith was a light that shined in a dark world of oppression. We celebrate and honour that light of his life, so we can heal the wounds of the past with determination as well as with compassion and forgiveness. It is our faith that God is with us, and that faith will stand firm in response to hatred and darkness,” said Father Reginald Samuels, pastor at St. Hyacinth Catholic Church, who will give the homily at this year’s Mass.
To highlight the growing and diverse African communities in the Archdiocese, the First and Second Readings will be proclaimed in French and Swahili. The Mass will be celebrated by Daniel Cardinal DiNardo, along with homilist Father Samuels, and the music will be provided by the Catholic African American Mass Choir.
The Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston serves 1.2 million Catholics in 10 counties.
It is the largest Roman Catholic diocese in Texas and the 12th largest in the United States.
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It is the largest Roman Catholic diocese in Texas and the 12th largest in the United States.
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